MOST of the north west's top 50 listed companies continued their good shares run with 34 enjoying a rise in prices this week.

Overall, the MEN/Brewin Dolphin Index rose 2.69 per cent to 935.78, again outstripping the benchmark FTSE 100, which fell 2.06 per cent.

Wythenshawe-based French led the way with a 22.37 per cent increase from 38p to 46.5p following the sale of its Northern Textiles division.

Holiday giant Airtours enjoyed a rise of 20.26 per cent from 188.75p to 227p. Brokers remain positive about the company's prospects and are recommending it as a sector choice.

European Colour, the Trafford paints and pigments maker, continued to bounce back after director buying. Its price rose 11.76 per cent from 25.5p to 28.5p.

Brammer, the Altrincham-based industrial services group, recovered after a recent profit warning. Its price was up 9.24 per cent from 276p to 301.5p.

Brewin Dolphin's Julian Hardiman said: ''The index has recovered well from recent lows.

''Investors are beginning to support the idea that further fallout is unlikely.''

Overall there were 12 fallers on the week, the biggest of which were media giant Granada, by 6.15 per cent to 144p, and biotechnology firm Tepnel Life Sciences, by 6.52 per cent to 21.5p.

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